Public Engagement
Introduction
Engagement in community problem-solving is fundamental to sustainability. By engaging with community members and organizations in the governmental, non-profit and for-profit sectors, institutions can help solve sustainability challenges. Community engagement can help students develop leadership skills while deepening their understandings of practical, real-world problems and the process of creating solutions.
Featured Resources
Latest News from AASHE Bulletin
New Resources
Sustainability as a Study Abroad Experience in Europe
- Danish Institute for Study Abroad (Hovestaden)
DIS - Danish Institute for Study Abroad has created a unique opportunity for American undergraduate students through their sustainable development program in Copenhagen. This is one of the first semester …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Laboratory of Democracy: Sustainability Research, Education and Action at the State Level
- DePauw University (IN)
College students often feel they can do very little to effect political change beyond their local communities and campuses. Traditional political internships sometimes provide glimpses into the inner-workings of politics …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Rustless Belt: A Look at Western Pennsylvania's Steely Renaissance
- Dickinson College (PA)
Western Pennsylvania has been dumped into this regional designation known as the Rust Belt, which includes a large swath of industrial cities, such as Buffalo, Detroit, and Toledo. Pittsburgh and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Making Homes Smarter
- Duke University (NC)
Smart homes are energy efficient and have technology that is intuitive and easy to use. Smart Home should be sustainable and environmentally friendly. Smart homes should promote well being and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Pittsburgh Higher Education Climate Consortium: A Partner in Community Climate Action
- Duquesne University (PA)
The Pittsburgh Higher Education Climate Consortium (HECC) is one of the four sector-based elements of the Pittsburgh Climate Initiative (PCI) formally adopted by Pittsburgh City Council in August 2008. PCI …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Experiencing Sustainability: Thinking Deeper About Experiential Education in Higher Education
- Earlham College (IN)
Jack Turner once wrote "we treat the natural world according to our experience of it."" How are our students "experiencing sustainability" in U.S. colleges and universities? With the rise in …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
City Studio Vancouver: The City is the Classroom
- Emily Carr University of Art & Design (BC)
Vancouver, BC is often ranked as one of the world's most livable cities because, as ecological footprint inventor and Vancouver Professor Bill Rees has noted, "25 or 30 years ago …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Illinois Green Economy Network- Greening Your Curriculum Faculty Development Program
- Green Economy (MA)
This panel presentation will address the role of higher education in sustainability and green economy education. In 2010, in partnership with 14 Illinois community colleges, the Illinois Green Economy Network …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Paths to Integration: Fostering Participatory Collaboration for Sustainable Change
- GreenerU (MA)
On campuses small and large, the development of engaged, collaborative stakeholder communities is key to the successful implementation of sustainability programs. Collaborative community development is full of challenges and opportunities. …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Green Carpet Awards Sustainability Celebration and Recognition Event
- Harvard University (MA)
Successful sustainability programs are the result of the work of many people who do not have sustainability as part of their primary job functions. A reward and recognition program is …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
A Sustainability Assessment System from Asia
- Hokkaido University (Hokkaido)
The Alternative University Appraisal (AUA) project aims to provide an alternative assessment system for colleges and universities and create a learning community to advance Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Hokkaido …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Michiana Sustainbility Leadership Program
- Indiana University South Bend (IN)
Today, the largest and most well known corporations in the world are integrating sustainable development action plans into their operations. In order to do this, they are also looking upstream …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
College and University Recycling Coalition Workshop
- Keep America Beautiful (CT)
The College and University Recycling Coalition is hosting a half day interactive workshop on collegiate recycling topics.
The presentations will be followed by facilitated small group discussions lead by collegiate …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Campuses as Learning Laboratories: A Framework to Achieve Institutional Sustainability Goals Through Service Learning
- Lansing Community College (MI)
Academic institutions can achieve institutional sustainability goals through service learning projects among their faculty and students. Institutions gain several advantages through this approach, including expedited implementation strategies for achieving sustainability …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Bringing Education to Life: Ecovillages as Campuses for Sustainability Education
- Living Routes, Inc. (MA)
Ecovillages are communities striving to live well and lightly together. From appropriate technologies to holistic health; from sustainable agriculture to group facilitation, ecovillages are integrating solutions within human-scale communities and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Successes and Challenges of MIT's Utility Partnership for Energy Efficiency
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
In May 2010, MIT established MIT Efficiency Forward: a ground breaking, multi-million dollar collaborative energy conservation and efficiency program with our electric and gas utility company NSTAR. The program is …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Partnerships in Food Waste Reduction at Michigan State University- Academics and Operations
- Michigan State University (MI)
At Michigan State University, Being Green is what we do. The total campus population includes over 45,000 students, with approximately 17,000 living on campus with the Division of Residential and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Sustainability in International Development: Student-Driven Organizations as a Sector Necessity
- Montana State University (MT)
The international development sector is one that carries with it the perception that complex academic specializations are prerequisite for involvement. In many cases, "expertise" becomes confounded with academic and field …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Regionally Organizing for Sustainability, South Metropolitan Higher Education Consortium (SMHEC)
- Moraine Valley Community College (IL)
A regional consortium of 12 higher education institutions, representing non-profit, private, for-profit and four year and two year universities and colleges organized a 2-day workshop bringing 100+ participants from multiple …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Biophilia: Connecting campus and community places to nature
- NAC Architecture (WA)
Originally crafted by German social psychologist Erich Fromm around 1965, the term Biophilia means "love of life or living systems."" The philosophy of Biophilia pairs well with the current flurry …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Connecting Campus Sustainability to the Green Economy and Education
- National Wildlife Federation (VA)
Investments in campus sustainability can lead to benefits beyond reduced energy bills, many of which enhance student learning and green economic growth. Speakers will provide an overview and several examples …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Using Social Media Effectively to Drive Campus Sustainability
- National Wildlife Federation (VA)
As green jobs advocate Van Jones has said - reach into your pocket and pull out your smart phone - you have more advanced technology in your hand than the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Messaging the Medium: Video Marketing and the Sustainable Campus
- New York University (NY)
Sustainability outreach and engagement is crucial not only for cleaner air and healthier lifestyles, but also for the image of the university as a leader in the green economy. Communication …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Sustainable Study Abroad: Acting locally, Connecting globally
- New York University (NY)
Study abroad is at the heart of an increasingly globalized and experiential higher education learning strategy, as students get to experience life in an entirely different cultural and ecological context. …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Busting at the seams: Northern Arizona University's 2011 Earth Week
- Northern Arizona University (AZ)
There is one day on the calendar that begs for Environmental and Sustainability messaging and outreach, Earth Day. The Student Environmental Caucus at Northern Arizona University has taken on the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Cultivating Sustainability: Pedagogy for Engagement, Action and Transformation
- EcoChallenge.org (OR)
Based upon behavior change research, sustainability pedagogy theory and in-the-field studies, the Northwest Earth Institute (NWEI) discussion course model is a unique pedagogical tool for teaching basic sustainability themes and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Starting a Sustainability committee for a national professional organization: Lessons learned from NACA.
- Old Dominion University (VA)
In 2006, the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) joined the Higher Education Association Sustainability Consortium (HEASC) in an effort to address sustainability issues in higher education. After two years …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Sustainable State: A Platform for Academic Transformation
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
Sustainable State is a new educational model designed to provide both an online and face-to-face platform for interdisciplinary exchange and academic collaboration, centered around transformational sustainability education. The mechanics of …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Renew Crew Honduras: A Replicable University Service-Learning Initiative for Hands-On Experience in Renewable Energy Technology
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
As part of an embedded energy and engineering service learning initiative, the Renew Crew, eleven university students, installed a solar photovoltaic array for a community owned and operated well in …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Cleantech business incubation on campus: Accelerating the Journey from innovation to impact
- Polytechnic Institute of New York (NY)
The University-managed clean energy business incubator aspires to have a positive impact on the economic and environmental health of New York City by maximizing the success of emerging cleantech companies. …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Developing a Comprehensive Recycling and Waste Reduction Program: A Multi-Campus District-Wide Approach
- Portland Community College (OR)
Portland Community College has been involved in recycling and waste reduction efforts for over a decade. The College serves over 83,000 students per year and spans over a wide geographical …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
PSU Community Environmental Services: Case Study of Dynamic Partnership Training Resource Conservation Managers
- Portland State University (OR)
This poster presentation will provide an illustration of a dynamic partnership between a university and its community will inspire organizations to test the limits of robustness in forming partnerships that …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Service-learning opportunities in sustainable construction, infrastructure and transportation development
- Presidio Graduate School (CA)
Students working to further the sustainability imperative on campuses are uniquely positioned to leverage their knowledge and expertise to drive sustainability outcomes in the delivery of transportation infrastructure projects both …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Sustainable Citizens, Governments, and Colleges 2.0: Engaging in the Twitterverse and Beyond
- Presidio Graduate School (CA)
"Creating Sustainable Campuses and Communities" goes far beyond student recycling campaigns, and Earth Day fairs; nowadays, social media is engaging others in the best sustainability practices. This study summarizes the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Showcasing Sustainability: Engaging the University & Community in a Successful Public Event
- Princeton University (NJ)
In the fall of 2010, the Office of Sustainability at Princeton University produced its second successful Sustainability Open House. The event highlighted numerous sustainability initiatives underway on campus and in …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Developing and Sustaining Edible Urban Landscapes
- Randolph College (VA)
Edible landscaping integrates species that produce edible roots, stems, flowers, leaves, fruits, or vegetables into human-made landscapes. Reintroducing edible cultivars into urban and suburban landscapes represents a strategy for promoting …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Soil Analysis for Sustainable Edible Urban Landscaping
- Randolph College (VA)
"Sustainability" is a means of configuring civilization and human activity so that society and its members are able to meet their needs and express their greatest potential in the present, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Gateway to Green: Sustainability Transformation at the Speed of Light
- Saint Louis University (MO)
For nearly 200 years, Saint Louis University has played a role as Wal-Mart-like greeters in the "Gateway to the West". Unfortunately, those welcomed were actually entering the "show me" state, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Green Wave: Engaging Students and Benefitting the Community through an Energy Audit Training Course
- San Jose State University (CA)
This session focus on a pilot energy efficiency audit training program, the Green Wave, launched in 2011 by San Jose State University and two partner organizations, the City of San …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Connecting Campus and Community: The Nature Preserve at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (IL)
In the Fall of 2009, the new Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUe) launched a new initiative to create a space where …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Save the Date: A Guide to Planning Green Awareness Events
- Southern Methodist University (TX)
Planning an event is little bit like getting a new puppy: you get really attached to it, you lose sleep at night, and sometimes, you have clean up messes. There …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Leasing Land to Farmers to Support Sustainability
- St. Paul's School (NH)
For land-rich institutions, leasing parcels of land to local farmers can support all facets of sustainability. Small farms gain acreage, enhancing the local food system; dining halls get direct access …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Cardinal Green Campaigns: Tackling Environment, Economy and Social Engagement at Stanford
- Stanford University (CA)
Behavior-based conservation programs with attractive incentives and attainable goals yield impressive results. Stanford's Office of Sustainability has formulated an annual series of goal driven campus campaigns in a 6-pack format …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
EPA Expands its Sustainable Food Management Initiatives with Higher Education Institutions
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
The United States Environmental Protection Agency through its national sustainable food management initiative, is expanding their outreach and support programs to colleges and universities throughout the country. The Agency is …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Going carbon neutral: What an experience!
- University of Alberta (AB)
Becoming a carbon neutral campus not only demonstrates excellent progress towards sustainability but is also a phenomenal learning tool for students, faculty, staff and the greater University community. Energy management …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Public Empowerment & Campus Sustainability - Meaningfully engaging your campus community
- University of Alberta (AB)
Creating space for students, staff and faculty to collaborate is a powerful means of building a sustainable campus. The Deliberation on Campus Sustainability (DoCS) was a multi-phased, 5-month project that …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Making the Campus Part of the Community: Sustainable Student Involvement
- University of Arkansas (AR)
Universities provide many opportunities for students to get involved in research, clubs, and social events on campus. Administrators spend hours on end developing ways to attract students to events in …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Envisioning a Sustainable Future for the Cincinnati Museum Center and its District
- University of Cincinnati (OH)
During the Fall Quarter of 2010 fifty-five students of architecture, planning, and engineering participated in an effort led by the Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) to address sustainability issues within the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Roche Health Center: The Role of Partnerships in Humanitarian Design Projects
- University of Cincinnati (OH)
Since 2004, our local non-profit has had a mission to unite communities to promote Life, Health and Education. Most of the organization's work focuses on three remote and impoverished villages …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Partnerships for Food Systems Change
- University of Florida (FL)
This presentation would include several examples of what we have accomplished at UF regarding food systems change at various scales and with varoious partners, and engage the audience in a …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
This tab provides access to data collected through AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS). STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS enables meaningful comparisons over time and across institutions using a common set of measurements developed with broad participation from the campus sustainability community.
All responses reference content from reports under the latest version of STARS, version 2.2. AASHE membership and log-in is required.
EN 10: Community Partnerships
- Description of a formal community partnership to advance sustainability (first partnership)
- Description of a formal community partnership to advance sustainability (second partnership)
- Description of a formal community partnership to advance sustainability (third partnership)
- Website URL - Community partnerships to advance sustainability
EN 11: Inter-campus Collaboration
- The national or international sustainability network(s)
- The regional, state/provincial or local sustainability network(s)
- Description of sustainability conference(s) and presentation(s)
- Description of sustainability resource center or awards program and submission(s)
- Description of sustainability board or committee appointment(s)
- Description of sustainability-related mentoring relationship and activities
- Description of sustainability-related peer review activities
- Website URL - Sustainability-related inter-campus collaborations
EN 12: Continuing Education
- Percentage of continuing education courses that are sustainability course offerings
- Inventory of continuing education sustainability course offerings (upload)
- Inventory of continuing education sustainability course offerings (description)
- Description of sustainability-related continuing education certificate program(s)
- Website URL - Continuing education courses and programs in sustainability
EN 13: Community Service
- Percentage of students engaged in community service
- Number of annual community service hours contributed per student
- Description of program(s) to support employee volunteering
- Website URL- Community service programs
EN 14: Participation in Public Policy
- Description of sustainability public policy advocacy at the municipal/local level
- Description of sustainability public policy advocacy at the state/provincial/regional level
- Description of sustainability public policy advocacy at the national level
- Description of sustainability public policy advocacy at the international level
- Website URL - Sustainability advocacy efforts
EN 15: Trademark Licensing
- Description of the independent trademark monitoring and verification organization
- The labor rights code of conduct for licensees (upload)
- The labor rights code of conduct for licensees (description)
- Website URL - Trademark licensing initiatives
Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.